The Island of Hopes and Dreams by Kate Frost

Out June 16, 2025

The Island of Hopes and Dreams was EXACTLY what I needed to start the summer! With a breathtaking setting and loveable characters, I felt like I was with them in a gorgeous Sardinian villa enjoying the views and finding love!

Lola finally escaped a soul-crushing, emotionally abusive relationship and has no interest in jumping into another one. But her meddling friends think otherwise, and she’s had enough of their matchmaking attempts. When she heads to Sardinia from London for her best friend’s wedding, dread comes along.

Rhys is going to the same wedding as the groom’s best friend, also with some dread. His ex-girlfriend is now dating one of his friends and, although he doesn’t want her back (she’s a total selfish B), he’s learned some unpleasant truths and feels the sting.

When Lola and Rhys escape a party for some fresh sea air, they bond over their problems and a fake relationship is born! If they’re an item, her friends will get off her back and he can move on and distract himself. Only they both feel the connection between them, the attraction, the ease of conversation….on the Island of Hopes and Dreams….

I adored Lola and Rhys—two genuinely lovely people with some baggage but so much to give. The author brilliantly had them muddle through their emotions, minds, and issues to grow and develop beautifully. Lola’s confidence struggled so much after the way her ex destroyed her, and Rhys helped her build it back up. He needed a confidence boost himself, and Lola returned the favor, showing him how wonderful he was.

They were both so self-aware and actively trying to figure themselves out, and I loved how they opened up to each other and each truly cared about the other. They had fantastic chemistry (no real steam though, mostly fade to black).

The Island of Hopes and Dreams left me with the warmest, coziest smile as I finished it. Highly recommend!

Thank you to @theboldbookclub and @netgalley for my advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are mine. 

Rating: 4.6
Themes and Tropes: Fake relationship, escapist romance, island setting, wedding festivities, fun friend group, character growth
Steam: Medium 
Pair With: Sardinian wine

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